Spiritual ExperienceMost of our experiences are what the psychologist William James calls the "educational variety" because they develop slowly over a period of time. Quite often friends of the newcomer are aware of the difference long before he is himself. He finally realizes that he has undergone a profound alteration in his reaction to life; that such a change could hardly have been brought about by himself alone.- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 567

A Member Shares:Chris, Alcoholic. As an active drinker I never trusted my feelings and reacted instinctively rather than intuitively. I suppose I had, at times, those brief insights, which are there in all of us, but most times they were baffling and frightening. As those fleeting discernments brought on a glimpse of the reality of how incapable of changing I was. Upon entering the program of Alcoholics Anonymous change indeed came slowly. I wanted change to come quickly, and wondered why it did not. I was told that I had lived twenty one years as an active alcoholic and change would come slowly, as it would take time to begin a new life. I was also told that I must develop the spiritual tools for staying sober. Sometimes it was a relief to hear this and at other times I felt extremely impatient. Anything was better than that...The reality of those terrible memories, and the insight of how deadly this disease was (and is) motivated me into action. Here is where the Steps come in, especially Step 11. Today I try to rely on those intuitive feelings that are telling me something is not right, and most times I act accordingly. I am much better at thinking things through, and not acting on impulse. To me is it is learning though those experiences that no long work in my life. As long as I trust God implicitly I will not find it necessary to pick up a drink or any other mind altering substance. Ultimately then, I will keep growing, spiritually. Lastly, it is a joyful experience when I see newcomers changing, the light shinning in their eyes, the relaxed faces, the belly laughs. Much to appreciate in sobriety. Thanks for letting me share.

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Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message. In grateful service, peyton h dailythought@aa-alive.org

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